An air of development and practical progression held many of the talking points during the Northshore School Board meeting on Monday, Feb. 12. The board was happy to announce that Washington state Governor Jay Inslee proclaimed February Career and Technical Education month. Career and Technical Education, also referred to as CTE, offers students the opportunity to gain academic and technical skills combined with meaningful experiences to steer them towards practical career paths. Northshore School District’s Career and College Readiness Director Damen Schuneman presented, sharing some of the data concerning the CTE. Schuneman was happy to announce that there are 5,046 Northshore students participating in CTE: 4,041 in high school and 1,005 middle schoolers eager to get the early jump into the working world. Schuneman went on to explain that there are six different career and technical programs in which students can participate. The three foundations the program stresses most are relevance, rigor, and connectivity. Schuneman continued by stating, “[CTE provides] great experiences outside of the classroom as well as academic rigor inside the classroom.” The instructors for these programs are largely industry experts that have first-hand success and experience in their fields. This simultaneously exemplifies their credentials while allowing students the ease of understanding steady progression at a pragmatic and achievable level. Governor Inslee concluded his proclamation with, “In Washington, I encourage all people in our state to become familiar with the services and benefits of

CTE programs and to support and participate in these programs to enhance their individual skills and productivity.”

Corina Pfeil, the parent advocate that has long fueled the reform for opioid overdose medication being readily available at K-12 grade schools and higher education institutions, approached the Northshore School Board during Association and Public Comments. Pfeil was very excited to announce that House Bill 2390 has passed to the floor and was now running to the Senate. The centers for disease control and prevention have stated that the United States is in the midst of an opioid epidemic. Taken directly from House Bill 2390, “One way to prevent opioid overdose deaths is to expand access to and use of nonaddictive, opioid overdose medications, such as naloxone, that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose when administered in time.” On Feb. 12 the bill received its third reading where it passed; 79 yeas to 19 nays. This bill then reached the Senate Feb. 12 and had its first reading on Feb. 14 where it was referred to Health & Long Term Care.The use of electronic cigarettes, vapes, and other methods for using tobacco by students is still a major concern among board members.

The board is considering adding some language where they can to help ensure that schools remain a tobacco-free environment. Dually, some of these devices can be utilized to take other drugs. A major concern is the flavoring and scenting of vape or electronic cigarette products.